Global Infrastructure
With over 75 years of experience in researching, investing and trading in utilities, Duff & Phelps is a premier manager in the utility space. Our recent expansion into global infrastructure is a natural extension of the utility research and portfolio management capabilities at Duff & Phelps. Given that the characteristics of the new infrastructure sectors, such as transportation, are similar to the industries in which we already invest, our seasoned analysts and portfolio managers have been able to add infrastructure to their coverage.
Effective October 1, 2008, the Phoenix Global Infrastructure Fund (PGUAX) was renamed the Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund (PGUAX), corresponding with a change in name to its fund family from the PhoenixFunds to Virtus Mutual Funds. On August 18, 2008, the Global Utilities Fund was renamed the Global Infrastructure Fund to incorporate a broader range of investment options. Infrastructure companies are engaged in the provision of energy, utility, transportation, communication, and other essential services to society.
The current management team of PGUAX has been managing the fund since its inception on December 31, 2004. Duff & Phelps has six dedicated equity professionals in the infrastructure sectors. We have been researching foreign infrastructure companies since 1993.
Duff & Phelps Investment Management has recently authored a white paper entitled, “Infrastructure Investing, An Opportunity Too Large to Ignore.” The paper covers a wide variety of topics of potential interest to investors, including the meaning of infrastructure and its financial characteristics; how infrastructure is distinguished from non-infrastructure; and an explanation for the ongoing surge in infrastructure investment opportunities. The paper’s key conclusions include:
- Global infrastructure investment needs are projected to exceed $65 trillion over the next 3 decades.
- Given expanding populations, years of infrastructure underinvestment and rising repair and replacement costs, governments now need private investment capital in order to fulfill their responsibilities as fiduciaries of the public good.
- Infrastructure has recently emerged as a separate asset class and is now recognized as one of several alternative investment strategies.
- Infrastructure stands out among other alternative asset classes due to its discrete multi-sector composition and its unique and desirable investment profile.
The white paper can be obtained by contacting Jemile Dragovic at (212) 812-5665 or by calling Virtus Investment Partners toll free at 800-243-4361.
This information does not represent an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell securities of the Fund.